In this first episode of Becoming Existential, I’m joined by Dr. Kirk J. Schneider — psychologist, author, lecturer, and one of the most influential voices in contemporary existential–humanistic and existential–integrative psychology.

Kirk has written more than a dozen books, including Life-Enhancing Anxiety and The Spirituality of Awe, and has devoted his career to bringing existential ideas beyond the therapy room — into education, politics, and dialogue across divided communities.

Together, we explore the gift of presence, the paradox of anxiety as a life-enhancing force, and what it means to stay human in an age of AI, quick fixes, and polarization. We also talk about the training journey of therapists today, and Kirk offers grounded, compassionate advice for those entering the field.

This conversation challenged and inspired me — and it feels like the right way to begin this series about becoming a therapist, and becoming human.

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Kirk’s Childhood & Early Trauma

03:00 First Encounters with Therapy

07:10 – The Essence of Existential Therapy

11:00 How the Existential Approach Shapes Us Professionally & Personally

15:00 – On Presence as the Greatest Gift

18:00 – Family, Relationship & Parenting Reflections

20:00 Advice for Aspiring Therapists

24:00 Getting personal experience of therapy first

25:00 Learning therapy skills

27:00 How Existential Approach contributes to the world

30:00 – Anxiety as a Constructive Force

33:00 The Space for the dialogue

35:00 Existential Question for Society

39:00 The Danger of a Machine-Like Society

41:00 – Final Reflections & Existential Question for Society

Dr. Kirk J. Schneider, Ph.D., is a leading voice in contemporary existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. A licensed psychologist, he is past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University, and president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI).

Dr. Schneider has authored or edited over a dozen influential books — including Awakening to Awe, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, The Polarized Mind, and his recent Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World. His work has been translated into multiple languages and featured in outlets such as Scientific American, The New York Times, and Psychology Today.

He is a Fellow of five divisions of the American Psychological Association and recipient of the prestigious Rollo May Award for his pioneering contributions to humanistic psychology. Internationally recognized, Dr. Schneider has delivered keynote addresses at the World Congresses of Existential Therapy and the International Existential Psychology Conference in China.

At the heart of his work is the idea that awe and anxiety are central to living more fully, authentically, and humanely — both in therapy and in society at large.

Kirk Schneider

https://kirkjschneider.com

Existential-Humanistic Institute:

https://www.ehinstitute.org/

Social Media:

@kirk.schneider.908

@kschneider56

/ kirk-schneider-a526a661

Books by Kirk J. Schneider Ph.D.:

Life-Enhancing Anxiety, Awakening to Awe, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy and more:

https://www.amazon.com/Kirk-J-Schneid...

Other links:

New Corps of Depth Healers website and Certificate Program:

https://www.corpsofdepthhealers.com

Latest Book: “Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World”

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Enhancing...

New YouTube Channel-“Corps of Depth Healers” / @corpsofdepthhealers-ws9nq

I’m Max Karlin, a psychologist, counsellor, and trainee existential therapist at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, London. On this channel I share existential therapy insights, interviews, and reflections to explore how psychotherapy can help us live more authentically and meaningfully.

https://linktr.ee/maxkarlin